18th Annual CRB Symposium

May 15-17, 2014
Red Rock Resort
Las Vegas, Nevada

Trophectoderm Biopsy Workshop. The day-long workshop provided embryologists with a comprehensive and hands-on knowledge of trophectoderm biopsy for CCS/PGS/PGD. Over the course of the workshop, each participant had the opportunity to engage in an overview discussion, demonstration of trophectoderm biopsy techniques by experienced embryologists in the field, as well as gained valuable hands-on experience with Day-5 trophectoderm biopsy techniques, and trophectoderm preparation for analysis (sample pickup and tubing). 

David Adamson, M.D., presented the Keynote Lecture, “International Perspective on IVF.” Dr. Adamson discussed the ways in which IVF is practiced differently around the globe and how the collection and analysis of international data is useful in comparing important laboratory and clinical aspects of ART and in improving ART outcomes. During his second presentation, Dr. Adamson addressed an ever increasing focus of IVF laboratories, Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET). Multiple pregnancy, which is associated with increased risks for both mothers and babies, can only be significantly reduced in ART by single embryo transfer. ESET is not appropriate for all patients, and Dr. Adamson addressed laboratory and clinical principles and evidence to guide patient management.

Vicki Vidalaki, Ph.D., executive coach and consultant clinical psychologist, presented two sessions focusing on leadership, team building, and delegating and managing talented, but difficult, people. Attendees found that Dr. Vidalaki’s concepts and ideas can also benefit life away from the job.

C. Brent Barrett, Ph.D., HCLD(ABB), addressed two critical areas for IVF laboratories, minimizing errors and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and quality management. Attendees learned about the different types of laboratory and medical errors, the most common errors in the IVF laboratory and how to minimize those errors. Dr. Barrett also discussed how to implement the ISO 9001 standard into an IVF program and laboratory.

Many laboratories have started to vitrify oocytes in their own laboratories or utilize them from several donor egg banks. Zsolt Peter Nagy, Ph.D., HCLD/CC(ABB), discussed his experience and the practical aspects of donor egg banking. Dr. Nagy also presented a talk on “informational biometrics in human gametes and embryos,” where he discussed some of the non-invasive assays such metabolomics, time-lapse, and cumulus cell gene expressions to assess embryonic potential.

Santiago Munné, Ph.D., and Dawn Kelk, Ph.D., HCLD(ABB), discussed their experiences with preimplantation genetic testing, from the reproductive genetic testing laboratory point of view and the IVF laboratory point of view.  In addition, Dr. Kelk discussed whether it is possible for frozen embryo transfer success to exceed that of a fresh transfer.

Mahmood Morshedi, Ph.D., HCLD(ABB), addressed the new (2010) WHO guidelines for performing semen analysis and the principles behind the new reference thresholds established for various semen parameters. Advantages and disadvantages of the new guidelines were discussed. Dr. Morshedi also discussed the values of sperm nuclear DNA testing in assisted reproduction.

Oral abstracts were presented on Friday afternoon, May 16, and the poster session was held Friday evening, May 16, in conjunction with an AAB reception. Click to see the abstracts.

Click a program title below to view a PDF of the PowerPoint presentation given during the 18th Annual CRB Symposium.

Tuesday, May 13 and 14, 2014

Trophectoderm Biopsy Workshop
  Jean Popwell, Ph.D., HCLD/CC(ABB), Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco, California
  Assisted by Michael Abeyta, TS(ABB) and Jennifer Andres, ELD/TS(ABB)

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Trophectoderm Biopsy & Comprehensive Chromosome Screening
  Dawn Kelk, Ph.D., HCLD(ABB), Reproductive Medicine Associates - CT, Norwalk, Connecticut

Preimplantation Genetic Screening
  Santi Munné, Ph.D., Reprogenetics, Livingston, New Jersey

Informational Biometrics in Human Gametes and Embryos
  Zsolt Peter Nagy, Ph.D., HCLD/CC(ABB), Reproductive Biology Associates, Sandy Springs, Georgia

Roundtable Discussions - Click to see topics

Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET)
  David Adamson, M.D., PAMC Fertility Physicians of Northern California, San Jose, California

KEYNOTE: International Perspective on IVF
  David Adamson, M.D., PAMC Fertility Physicians of Northern California, San Jose, California

Experience & the Practical Aspects of Donor Egg Banking
  Zsolt Peter Nagy, Ph.D., HCLD/CC(ABB), Reproductive Biology Associates, Sandy Springs, Georgia

Friday, May 16, 2014

How to Communicate Effectively as a Leader: the Value of Focused Conversations
  Vicki Vidalaki, Ph.D., New York, New York

Managing Difficult But Talented People
  Vicki Vidalaki, Ph.D., New York, New York

Is It Possible for Frozen Embryo Transfer Rates to Exceed Those of Fresh Transfers?
  Dawn Kelk, Ph.D., HCLD(ABB), Reproductive Medicine Associates - CT, Norwalk, Connecticut

Minimizing Errors in the ART Lab
  C. Brent Barrett, Ph.D., HCLD(ABB), Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts

Saturday, May 17, 2014

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Quality Management in the IVF Laboratory
  C. Brent Barrett, Ph.D., HCLD(ABB), Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts

Human Sperm Nuclear DNA Fragmentation Assays and Their Values in Assisted Conception (Value of Sperm Nuclear DNA Testing in Assisted Reproduction) - Slides  |  Notes
  Mahmood Morshedi, Ph.D., HCLD(ABB), Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia